Meningococcal C vaccine

What is it for?

The meningococcal C vaccine prevents people from becoming infected with a particular type of bacterium called Neisseria meningitides serogroup C (or meningococcus C).

These bacteria can be found in the nose, throat and windpipe (i.e. the upper respiratory tract) of many healthy people, and are not easily spread, but can occasionally be spread in infected droplets in the air particularly where there is crowding and close contact (e.g. in boarding schools or university residential colleges).

The disease can cause:

meningitis (inflammation of the membranes around the brain and spinal cord)

pneumonia (lung infection)

septicaemia (blood infection)

conjunctivitis (eye infection)

arthritis.

The best way to reduce your risk of getting meningococcal C disease is to be vaccinated

Who should be vaccinated?

The two age groups that are at highest risk of infection are:

children under 5 years old

young adults aged 15 to 24 years old.

Children

Babies aged 6 weeks to 12 months of age who have a weakened immune system (e.g. due to a medical condition, no spleen, certain medicines) are at high risk of meningococcal disease and may need to be vaccinated before they are 12 months old.

Young adults aged 15 to 24 years

The vaccine is recommended for young adults in this age group who have not been vaccinated.

Other at risk groups

A meningococcal C-containing vaccine is recommended for anyone 6 weeks and older who has not previously been vaccinated and who is in close contact with someone with meningococcal C infection (e.g. family members).

The meningococcal vaccine is also recommended for people who:

have no spleen or who have spleen problems

have a weakened immune system (e.g. due to a medical condition or certain medicines)

who work in a laboratory with the N. meningitides bacteria

are travelling to countries where meningococcal disease is present (e.g. pilgrims travelling to Saudi Arabia)

Adults who need to be vaccinated can do so at their own cost.

If you have meningococcal disease, your doctor must report the infection. A Public Health Unit will contact you to provide help and advice. The unit will also need to contact anyone else who may have been exposed to your infection, so that they can also get help and advice.

Pregnant women

The vaccine can be given to pregnant women who are at increased risk of meningococcal infection (e.g. women who have no spleen or spleen problems).

Who can I ask about side effects?

If you’re concerned that you or your child may have had side effects related to a vaccine, seek medical advice. To report and discuss possible side effects, call the Adverse Medicines Events (AME) Line on 1300 134 237 from anywhere in Australia (Monday–Friday, 9am–5pm AEST).

Related information - meningococcal disease vaccine

02 Nov2016 –
Menveo Injection is a brand of medicine containing the active ingredient neisseria meningitidis vaccine. Find out about side effects, who can take it and who shouldn’t use Menveo Injection by reading the latest Australian consumer medicine information, plus tips on how to use medicines wisely and safely.

02 Nov2016 –
NeisVac-C Vaccine Suspension for injection is a brand of medicine. Find out about side effects, who can and who shouldn’t use NeisVac-C Vaccine Suspension for injection by reading the latest Australian consumer medicine information. See our tips on how to use medicines wisely and safely.

02 Nov2016 –
Bexsero Suspension for injection is a brand of medicine. Find out about side effects, who can and who shouldn’t use Bexsero Suspension for injection by reading the latest Australian consumer medicine information. See our tips on how to use medicines wisely and safely.

20 Jul2016 –
Mencevax ACWY Powder for injection is a brand of medicine containing the active ingredient neisseria meningitidis vaccine. Find out about side effects, who can take it and who shouldn’t use Mencevax ACWY Powder for injection by reading the latest Australian consumer medicine information, plus tips on how to use medicines wisely and safely.

22 Jan2015 –
Meningitec Suspension for injection is a brand of medicine containing the active ingredient neisseria meningitidis vaccine. Find out about side effects, who can take it and who shouldn’t use Meningitec Suspension for injection by reading the latest Australian consumer medicine information, plus tips on how to use medicines wisely and safely.

11 Dec2014 –
Menomune Powder for injection is a brand of medicine. Find out about side effects, who can and who shouldn’t use Menomune Powder for injection by reading the latest Australian consumer medicine information. See our tips on how to use medicines wisely and safely.

02 Jun2014 –
The new meningococcal B vaccine 4CMenB is under enhanced TGA monitoring because of an increased risk of fever in young children, and is to be given with prophylactic paracetamol in children under 2 years.

04 Dec2013 –
Menactra Solution for injection is a brand of medicine containing the active ingredient neisseria meningitidis vaccine. Find out about side effects, who can take it and who shouldn’t use Menactra Solution for injection by reading the latest Australian consumer medicine information, plus tips on how to use medicines wisely and safely.

05 Aug2013 –
Menitorix Powder for injection is a brand of medicine. Find out about side effects, who can and who shouldn’t use Menitorix Powder for injection by reading the latest Australian consumer medicine information. See our tips on how to use medicines wisely and safely.

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